Chanting Growers Group

[Guest]

That Came from the Gohonzon

That Came from the Gohonzon

Thanks SoCal! But I can't take the credit for it. Everyone seemed to have questions or making comments that was so right on to our belief system. I chanted to know how to respond and answer some of the things being tossed around. And it was quite by accident that I found the paper that was given to me about 14 years ago that explained all of that. It was not signed but was generated by SGI.

OK GordyP! Start saving! The three of us have made the determination to go so know that you will never know when "Go" will come from here!

Bog! You are exactly right. I am a nurse and worked as a licensed massage therapist for 5 years. It is definitely all about that. I would not work in my field without the chant. I am responsible for others lives. It is a big responsibility one that need he spirituality to survive it. I have done it for 30 years. My skill as a nurse as much improved in the past 15 years of my chanting.

I think that you all are great! Southern Girl

 

[Guest]

Clarification!

Clarification!

I wanted to clarify something I wrote earlier regarding chanting outloud or silently. I did not intend for anyone to think that chanting silently was better or as beneficial as chanting outloud. I think it is the intent and situation you are in. I obviously cannot chant out loud at work, yet it has been just as effective for me. However, I would not do that at home with my time set aside in the day to do Gongyo and chant daimoku. But.....I find myself chanting in my head unconsiously when cleaning or working in the yard. It just becomes so much a part of you and your thought processes that it plays out as the situations arise. I hope that I clarified it should it have needed to be. Southern Girl

 

[Guest]

Where is everyone?

Where is everyone?

I was at a party having a grand time. The company was great and the livation was awesome. The music was inspiring and the conversation exhilarating. And the damned-est thing.....I went to the little girl's room and when I returned, there was nobody there but me! SG

 

[GordyP]

I'm Here, I'm Here

I'm Here, I'm Here

I've been here all the time reading everything. Just not a lot coming to mind to add when I take the opportunity. Enjoying the input from some new posters (not that the usual gang hasn't had great input ). Southern Girl, you're always there to keep the heart of this thread going, especially when the postings get thin. Everybody must be out Christmas shopping. I know I've got like, ALL of mine to do in the next couple weeks. I just love going to a mall this time of year and shop (deep undertones of cynicism). I've stil got some family in this area, but with the kids (24 and 21 yrs) away from home, a WHOLE lot of that holiday "magic" is gone. Must be a middle-age phase I'm goin' through. Like all things, it'll pass.

Keep Em Green and Growin'

GordyP

 

[Guest]

Yeah Gordy P!

Yeah Gordy P!

I was worried there for a little minute. And see you did have something to say! Maybe other people feel that way and say so and then you won't feel so bad because you will find out that you are not alone. Then you will feel better! I've been chanting daimoku for the sun to shine!
And I will be right there with ya GordyP! The week before shopping, however, I DO NOT go to malls. I don't normally do that on a regular day. And internet shopping is the best. They deliver to your house. YOu could fly to the beach for christmas. You don't know that it is Xmas there. You would be in the sun and be doing something different. But Xmas doesn't bother me. It is New Years Eve. I always find it sad for some reason, tho it is the one I look forward to the most. Always a very reflective day. Another Beginning! I guess it is a symbol of death and rebirth.
OK! don't know where all that came from .....but there ya have it! SG Playing with fonts, have no idea what this looks likeundefined

 

[BushyOldGrower]

I am present.

Gordy P, in thinking about your story of the man who paid people to insult him?

I thought about it and realized how this guy must have realized what I already did. As a grow guru online you get a lot of trolls who just want to disrupt your thread and they often insult you and make false allegations. It can be upsetting if you feel that public humiliation is the worst thing to fear but even though I am thin skinned I discovered a way to look at it.

When trolls disrupt anyones thread they come from another site to make trouble for you and your site. People are quite aware of this phenomen and often folks say that when you get trolled a lot you have become sort of a celebrity or they wouldn't do it.

I have told people that trolls usually just make me look good not bad. They make unreasonable insults and accusations in an inappropriate manner. If you respond by killing them with kindness this seems to work best. Jokingly I have stated that I hire trolls to insult me in threads because it makes me look good. Other people start defending you and praising you because the accusations are so unjust and baseless.

Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors and he stated something like this...

"If public humiliation or embarrassment is what you worry about you might as well quit that because it is the human condition...get used to it."

If all the world is a stage our acts cant always be perfect because after all we are a live act!

Insult me and remember that great masters thoughout history have enjoyed the game of insulting another master to see if he is enlightened. Losing one's temper is seen as a human failing and we can all laugh but thats all it is really. BOG

 

[Guest]

Thank You Dearest Bog!

Thank You Dearest Bog!

How Much I appreciate your response to what GordyP wrote. And I will prefix it with this before responding to what you stated.
I have a very stressful job, physically, mentally and emotionally. (What am I talking about? My whole freaking life is one giant roller coaster. People who know me personally as PTD does can attest). And I get off work. Shower, change clothes, smoke one and come in here. It is the part of the day I look forward to. To stay in contact daily with people who have your belief system and remind you that it is real, that you can do it no matter what, and maybe have a laugh. To be able to share that place of joy or belief system to people who are like-minded and want to know more, makes it all the more beautiful. The purpose of why you keep going.
In regards to your statement, I am very well aware of the phenomena you speak of on the puter. I have experienced it in other sites in the distant past and on occassion I experience it here. I just recently wrote PTD and told him that my screen name must have me appear as Ellie Mae and not the Annie Oakley that I am. And that is the only way to reply. At this point of life, you really can't be offended, embarrassed or feel the condiscending behavior that occurs. People are people. I am learning to look at them with compassion for what they have not yet learned and appreciation for not being there anymore. I refuse to give those people my energy anymore. We all have our opinions and mine is no less important than anothers. But mine is what is real to me.
I always enjoy your input. Southern Girl

 

[Pacridge]

I don't post much on here amymore, But I do read regularly. I find your thoughts, all of the regular poster, very thought provoking. Please keep them up. Thanks to PTD I started chanting this past summer and have found it to be very positive, Thanks PTD. And thanks to all who keep this post going with wit and wisdom.

 

[Guest]

Pacridge! Thanks for taking the time!

Pacridge! Thanks for taking the time!

And as always....appreciate that you are there and you receive some benefit from reading. For me it is just sharing life as it is with the power of NamMyohoRengeKyo supporting it. To share it good or bad and it help another gives it all value. It is a good space and always try to keep it as such. And if you have been chanting since this past summer, then you have already experienced enough to continue. Best of everything to you! SG

 

[GordyP]

Another Dog Person!

Another Dog Person!

Pacridge,

Good lookin' pooch in your avatar. You just gotta love em. They help keep our hearts in the right place, humble us with an undying goal of obedience and friendship, and make damn good timepieces (my buddy Max comes to nudge me EXACTLY at 6:00pm every night - suppertime).

Happy to hear you're chanting and feeling positive results. Very much the same experiences I've been having since starting up seriously in September. Keep the spirit and meaning of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in your heart and mind as you go about living your life. Keep it up and watch the fortunate good times take up a much bigger part of your day-to-day living.

If you enjoy reading the wisdom, opinions, history, and interactions of this thread, stay with us and tell us more about yourself. Share your experiences with chanting, ask questions, talk about good times and bad. We're here to support each other, sending prayers and a little karma to our friends here when it's needed. It's a great forum to participate in!

Well, Max is here to nudge me and guess what; it's 6:00pm on the nose! Good to see your post, Pacridge. Hope to read more from a good dog-lover like you.

Keep Em Green and Growin'

GordyP

 

[Pacridge]

"watch" dogs

"watch" dogs

It's funny you find your friend to be a good "watch" dog. My wife and I joke about our two knowing exactly when it's 2:30 and time for their walk. If I'm not out the door by 3:00 they start going completely nutz. Well somebody has to keep me honest.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

just a little something

just a little something

Karma: Sanskrit word meaning "action." The life tendency or destiny that each individual creates through thoughts, words and deeds. One's actions in the past have shaped one's reality at present, and actions in the present determine one's future. This is the law of cause and effect at work.

My thoughts - words - deeds have been somewhat lacking in Action lately. My D count is very, very low. It happens around this time each year. Must break the chain and am glad to find others here for guidance and encouragement. Thanks all. and Congrats Pacridge! :friends:

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: The fundamental component of the practice of Buddhism, which expresses the ultimate truth of life and the universe and allows each individual to tap his or her innate enlightened nature directly. Although the deepest meaning of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is revealed only through the practice of chanting it, there is a literal definition:

Nam (devotion) means to fuse one's life with the universal law;

Myoho (Mystic Law) is the fundamental principle of the universe and its phenomenal manifestations;

Renge (lotus flower) refers to the lotus, which blooms and seeds at the same time, symbolizing the simultaneity of cause and effect; and

Kyo (sutra, or teaching of a Buddha) broadly indicates all phenomena or the activities of all living beings.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren on 28 April 1253. Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truths of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood. The title of the Lotus Sutra in its Japanese translation is Myoho-renge-kyo. But to Nichiren, Myoho-renge-kyo was far more than the title of a Buddhist text, it was the expression, in words, of the Law of life which all Buddhist teachings in one way or another seek to clarify. What follows is a brief and unavoidably limited explanation of some of the key concepts expressed by this phrase.

Nam
The word nam derives from Sanskrit, a close translation of its meaning is "to devote oneself." Nichiren established the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a means to enable all people to put their lives in harmony or rhythm with the law of life, or Dharma. In the original Sanskrit, nam indicates the elements of action and attitude, and refers therefore to the correct action one needs to take and the attitude one needs to develop in order to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.

Myoho
Myoho literally means the Mystic Law, and expresses the relationship between the life inherent in the universe and the many different ways this life expresses itself. Myo refers to the very essence of life, which is "invisible" and beyond intellectual understanding. This essence always expresses itself in a tangible form (ho) that can be apprehended by the senses. Phenomena (ho) are changeable, but pervading all such phenomena is a constant reality known as myo.

Renge
Renge means lotus flower. The lotus blooms and produces seeds at the same time, and thus represents the simultaneity of cause and effect. The circumstances and quality of our individual lives is determined by the particular of causes and effects, both good and bad, that we accumulate (through our thoughts, words and actions) at each moment. This is called our "karma". The law of cause and effect explains that we each have personal responsibility for our own destiny. We create our destiny and we can change it. The most powerful cause we can make is to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the effect of Buddhahood is simultaneously created in the depths of our life and will definitely manifest in time.

The lotus flower grows and blooms in a muddy pond, and yet remains pristine and free from any defilement, symbolizing the emergence of Buddhahood from within the life of an ordinary person.

Kyo
Kyo literally means sutra, the voice or teaching of a Buddha. In this sense, it also means sound, rhythm or vibration. Also, the Chinese character for kyo originally meant the warp a piece of woven cloth, symbolizing the continuity of life throughout past, present and future. In a broad sense, kyo conveys the concept that all things in the universe are a manifestation of the Mystic Law.

Primary Practice
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the primary practice of SGI members. Through this practice, one is able to reveal the state of Buddhahood in one's life, experienced as the natural development of joy, increased vitality, courage, wisdom and compassion.

 

[SoCal Hippy]

"When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime- Nichiren)

 

[Guest]

Thanks so Much SoCAl!

Thanks so Much SoCAl!

Thanks so much SoCAl for putting in the definition of NamMyoHoRengeKyo. I promised Bog I would put that in and I have to admit that my library of info is still in quite an array. And polishing your mirror is my favorite and has significant importance to me. It was part of an experience I used years ago at SGI. Hope all is well for you. I think PTD fell off the earth for a bit. Gohonzon displaced him with no choice as it did me. I understand the confusion. He went home too. Best to Everyone! SG

 

[PassTheDoobie]

I didn't fall off the earth, but I did fall on my head

I didn't fall off the earth, but I did fall on my head

Knocked myself fucking unconscious. Happened Wednesday AM. I've been in a concussed state since, so sorry to have been gone so long. I got back a week ago, but besides the three days due to the fall, the kids did their first commercial shoot, the dogs docs were fucked up, and we had to take a whole day to haul them three hours away to quaranteen. The boys were all sick with something that put purple rashes all over their faces after having fevers. We found and bought a car that the whole family will fit in. We got hit with the first winter typhoon in meterological history. The cats docs were fucked up and we spent a day getting them into quaranteen. And my partner celebrated his birthday a few occasions. And my knee has only gotten slightly better since my return, and I still have not had a chance to get it x-rayed. And stonegirl had four TV shows in one wek this week! Way overload for this whipped jetlagged gimpy fighter for kosen rufu! Every one of these issues has been the source of incredible benefit!

I am also back in the grow! Rez's apollo collection: trip, star, thunder, and orange. Don't worry BOG, I get yours planted when we get to the new house in January. stonegirl is sitting here wasted she is so tired. This week was killer for her with all of the shows and the kids sick and me a complaining cranky gimpy whimpy. She remains one of the all time best women on earth and is my blessing. She sends her love to all. We are going to go pig out on some shabu shabu. bye-bye!

The boys are being interviewed at a press event tomorrow. stonegirl and I are being asked to answer mom and pop questions.

 

[GordyP]

More daimoku coming!

More daimoku coming!

Yeah, yeah . . . but other than all that, how ya doin'? :wink:

Man, you gotta stop flying off of bikes, blowing out knees, and falling on your head! You're on your way to becoming a Bodhisattva of the universe, and free from your earthly ties. Why don't you slow down a bit a stay with us all during this lifetime for a bit? You got family and friends who would like to see you and stonegirl around for a long time.

At first I thought you were talking about veterinarians when you mentioned dog and cat "docs", but finally realized you meant documentation. Hope you got your buddies out of jail and back safely at home now, if there is any safe place for them there . . . a "Winter Typhoon"? They don't have typhoons in Vancouver ya know (just floods and blizzards :smile: ).

Good to hear from you, PTDoobie. Take care of yourself and that big family of yours, give stonegirl a hug for taking care of your clumsy ass, get your dogs back (forget the cats), get your boys back to the right color, and take it easy when you travel back to N. America. They broke the mold after they made you, so you're the only one we've got; taped, glued, and pinned together!

Hey BOG! What do you think about this two-timer plantin' Rez's beans?!

Keep Em Green and Growin' friend of mine and Bodhisattva to all,

GordyP

 

[SoCal Hippy]

i'm blown away!

i'm blown away!

"Every one of these issues has been the source of incredible benefit! "
(quoted by PTD earlier)

Wow PTD, just like gordy says, other than that, how was your week??? Shit, I can't imagine what you've gone thru and what stonegirl has to put up with. How can i complain about my shit going on. Got to correct my attitude and your quote says it all. Thanks for chiming in.

I've got a great dog and sometimes good cat. I just can't get the damn cat to stay out of the xmas tree and fucking with the ornaments every nite and Cora is freaking out. 1st xmas with a cat. Hope she can make it to the New Year(the cat, that is)

Got to go. Doing toban for the 1st time in like 25yrs.

 

[Guest]

Goooooooo Doobie!

Goooooooo Doobie!

Please don't be offended, but after my last 3 months of continual non stop shit, I had to sit here and laugh. What shit we must be cleaning out between the two of us. I stopped writing about mine because it was getting to the point where I thought people would think I was making it up. But you just had a normal SG Week! As those senior leaders would say," Congratulations!" And welcome to parenthood and family life. Never a dull moment! Now I know why you got evicted. Hell somebody had to save StoneGirl.
And big brother....you need to slow your ass down. You are going to kill yourself. You need to chant for good health and no accidents as Pres. Ikeda would say. Too much going on in your head, in a hurry to get nowhere and not paying attention. You are starting to scare me. And you have yet another bday coming up. Would like to see you make it.
And Socal.....Toban?! You go boy. And I can relate to the cat and xmas tree thing. Two grown ones. They love to knock the stuff right off. Came home tonight to a circus. The cockatiels figured out how to get their cage open. They were flying around, the cats jumping doing aerobics trying to get higher and the dog on the couch barking. I didn't know who to grab first. I love them with my life and somedays I hate there guts! They are children who do some incredible things to get back at you. I am ready for the tree to go.

And by the way guys, a round trip ticket for me to Vancouver is $356. When we going?....... Lots of love to you all...SG

 

[GordyP]

$356 round-trip from Texas to just north of Seattle? Trips to Vancouver must not be a big seller for the airlines (yet). I don't want to go when there's snow over everything. Let's let folks who might be living there a chance to move in, get their feet on the ground, and learn what's where. That way:
1. All the moving work is done before we get there
2. We'll have good tour guides in Vancouver
Still waiting to hear the thoughts of PTDoobie and of BOG about a Vancouver jubilee sometime in the future.

SoCal and Southern Girl and PTDoobie, ya got more patience, self-esteem, something extra in you that allows to you live in harmony withcats. Dogs have loving owners . . . cats have staff. Just no comparison. And I don't want to even get started about indoor pet birds!

Seasons become really evident here in the midwest. There are some pretty big changes as one rolls into another and with each new one, there always seems to be a time of reflection on your life so far. I always shut down for a period as I play out all the shoulda's and coulda's that have presented themselves over the years. No doubt I took the wrong fork in the road many times. Lots of songs written about stuff like that, because everyone can relate to it. Anyway, with the "Christmas Season" now upon us, with Fall moving into Winter, the days ridiculously short, and the year coming to an end, I've tended to go into one of those reflective shut-down periods. Although we get occasional glimpes of sunshine, this is usually a wet, cold, windy, black-and-white environment here in the midwest.

But guess what; my winning percentage over this pall of reflection has gone off the charts since beginning to remain focused on the causes before me and to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. I understand what's going on here with this seasonal-holiday funk. I'm one with it, if you will. With that knowledge, my feelings (my delusions) about how shitty this time of year is have changed for the positive. Hell, everyone around here has to deal with it, so suck it up, chant for a better attitude, and enjoy this time of year! (didn't say that's where I was at now, just that I'm working on it and that chanting has helped a lot). Wish me luck!

Keep Em Green and Growin'

GordyP